Alison Bellamy

Customers at a popular chip shop are guaranteed a good view as they queue and wait for their fish to be battered.

As well as frying up Yorkshire’s favourite take-away for south Leeds residents, the owners of Park Fisheries are preparing themselves for battle in this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom contest. After scooping two prizes in last year’s regional competition, they hope to score a double this time around.

Simon Mortimer and Gail Cursley from Park Fisheries, beeston.

Yesterday judges from Yorkshire in Bloom visited venues across Leeds and West Yorkshire, including the Beeston Road fish and chip shop, to inspect the floral offerings.

With its cycle themed floral displays and meticulous pruning owners Simon Mortimer and Gail Cursley, say they are confident with their efforts.

Leeds United fan Simon, 44, said: “All the gardening is down to Gail. We do our best to make the place look good. We decided on the old butcher’s bike theme and have filled the garden with yellow, white and blue - Leeds United colours, in honour of the army of fans we see here on match days.

“We try so hard to put Beeston on the map in a good way. The judges seemed happy, so it is a case of fingers crossed.”

He said they had run the shop for 13 years but only entered the competition last year for the first time.

Last year Park Fisheries won a Silver Gilt Rose Award in the Business Premises (Large) category and also the Commercial award.

They were up against firms such Sheffield Forgemasters and Betty’s of Harrogate. Simon and Gail were too busy serving customers to attend the awards ceremony in York.

The Yorkshire in Bloom 2013 judges citation read: “The customers at this fish shop are able to enjoy their take-away in an environment reminiscent of a Mediterranean garden. Although a favourite venue for Leeds United fans on match days, the garden is free from litter and vandalism.”

Winners will be announced in September. Regional entries can also apply for Britain in Bloom national awards.